Historic buildings can make a substantial contribution to the environment and our sense of “place“. They represent fixed points in our shared history and can be landmarks in an otherwise, unremarkable location.

North East Essex is fortunate in having a high density of buildings of historic interest which greatly add to the character and identity of the areas of Braintree, Colchester and Tendring. However, a significant number of these buildings are deemed to be “at risk“.

Many people would agree that shops are the life-blood of urban and rural communities. They can provide goods and services essential for daily life and are without doubt a barometer for the relative economic health of an area.

The Balkerne water tower, known affectionately as ‘Jumbo’, is the best of its type in England. Built in 1884 Jumbo was both ambitious and dramatic. It is probably Colchester’s best-loved landmark.

Jumbo provided water to Colchester for a century but fell out of use in 1984 and several attempts to find a new use for the structure over the past 30 years have failed. It is currently vacant and designated ‘At Risk’.

The former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government,The Right Honourable Eric Pickles MP decided to hold a non-statutory Public Inquiry into the proposed demolition of St. Peters & St. Paul Church Birch, Essex.

Colchester & North East Essex Building Preservation Trust …

was set up in 1995 dedicated to helping save and conserve historic buildings at risk within the historic town of Colchester and the surround countryside. The trust was formed for the purpose of acquiring historic buildings “at risk“, restoring and selling them and using the proceeds to acquire more buildings. However, the trust also has a much wider brief, and can also fund relevant research, publish pamphlets and books, and raise funding for major projects.

Founded in 1995 as a registered charity (Registered Charity No. 1044514) and Company Limited by Guarantee (registered in England No. 3020005).